What happens when you deregister a switch?

Quick answer

This page answers What happens when you deregister a switch? quickly.

AnswerTipsNext

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

• Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
• Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
• Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

• Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
• Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
• Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

When you deregister a Switch, it allows you to select a different console as the primary console for your Nintendo Account, while the previously registered console will no longer be considered primary and will lose access to certain features like online play and cloud saves. Deregistering a Switch does not delete data or affect games purchased with the associated Nintendo Account, but it does change the way you access and play games on the deregistered console.

Understanding Deregistration

Deregistering a Switch is a straightforward process that can be done through the Nintendo Account website or on the console itself, and it is often necessary when you want to switch to a new primary console or if your Switch is lost or stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Does deregistering a Switch delete data?

• No, deregistering a Switch does not delete data, but deleting a user account from a Nintendo Switch console will delete any save data associated with that account and saved to the console.

1. Does deleting a user from a Switch delete the Nintendo Account?

• No, the Nintendo Account will not be deleted, but software purchased with the account cannot be played until the Nintendo Account is re-linked to a new user account.

1. What happens if I unlink my Nintendo account?

• Unlinking a Nintendo Account from a Nintendo Switch console does not delete the Nintendo Account or any associated purchases, and the Nintendo Account can be re-linked to another user account in the future.

Deregistration Process

4. How do I deregister a stolen Switch?

• You can deregister a stolen Switch by visiting accounts.nintendo.com, signing in to the Nintendo Account, selecting Shop Menu, and then Deregister Primary Console.

4. Can Nintendo Switch be blocked if stolen?

• Unfortunately, Nintendo is unable to remotely format a device or block a Nintendo Account from being used, but you can deactivate a primary console off-device once per year.

4. Can you shut down a stolen Nintendo Switch?

• If you do not have access to the original console, you can also deactivate a primary console off-device once per year by visiting accounts.nintendo.com.

Nintendo Account Management

7. Can I have 2 separate Nintendo Accounts?

• Yes, you can have multiple Nintendo Accounts, and up to 8 Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a Nintendo Switch console at a time.

7. Can you have two linked Nintendo Accounts?

• Yes, you can link up to 8 Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console, and games purchased are playable by everyone on the active Nintendo Switch console for your Nintendo Account.

7. How do I remove a Nintendo Account from a Switch without console?

• You can remove a Nintendo Account from a Switch without the console by visiting the Nintendo Account website, signing in, selecting Shop Menu, and then Deregister Primary Console.

Data Management

10. Can you delete Switch account and keep games?

    • All games bought from the eShop are tied to your Nintendo Account, and removing your account from the Switch would render those games unplayable on that console, but you can easily re-download those games to any Switch with your Nintendo Account.

11. How do I delete user data from Switch?

    • You can delete user data from a Switch by going to System Settings, selecting Data Management, then Delete Save Data, and choosing the game title and user for which you want to delete the save data.

12. How do I delete data from my Switch before selling?

    • To delete data from your Switch before selling, select System Settings from the HOME Menu, scroll down to System, select Formatting Options, and then Restore Factory Settings to delete all data in the system memory.

Primary Console Management

13. How many times can you change primary Switch?

    • A single Switch can be the primary console for as many accounts as you want, but each account can only set one Switch as its primary.

14. Can you use the same Nintendo Account on two switches at the same time?

    • Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles, but you can only activate one primary console per Nintendo Account, and on a non-primary console, games downloaded with your Nintendo Account will only be playable using your account.

15. Can 2 Nintendo Accounts on the same Switch share an online subscription?

    • Players using a family membership can access the Nintendo Switch Online service via the same Nintendo Switch system or multiple systems, but multiple users on the same console are not automatically covered by a family membership.